Friends of Cancer Research Newsletter

FY 2007 NIH Funding Approved by Senate Appropriations Committee

On July 20, 2006, the Senate Appropriations Committee approved the fiscal year (FY) 2007 Labor-Health and Human Services (HHS)-Education (Labor-HHS) Appropriations Bill. The bill provides $142.8 billion in discretionary funding for FY 2007, an increase of nearly $1.27 billion (0.9 percent) over the current year's funding level. For NIH, the bill includes $28.46 billion, an increase of $220 million (0.8 percent) over FY 2006. For NCI, the bill includes $4.79 billion, an increase of $9 million over FY 2006.

The House Appropriations Committee approved their FY 2007 bill on June 20 that provides $28.25 billion for NIH, a decrease of $306,000 from the current year's level. More than likely, the House and Senate will wait until after the November Congressional elections to move forward with completing work on the FY 2007 Labor-HHS Appropriations bill.

If you have questions, or need more information, please contact FOCR Director of Government Affairs Jeff Coughlin at (202) 944-6643 or jcoughlin@focr.org.

Senate HELP Committee Holds Hearing on Confirmation of Dr. Andrew von Eschenbach as Commissioner of FDA

Picture by Doug Mills, New York Times, www.nyt.com

On Tuesday, August 1, 2006, the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee (HELP) Committee held a hearing on the confirmation of Andrew von Eschenbach, MD, as permanent Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Discussions surrounding FDA’s plan and process for moving Plan B emergency contraception medication to over-the-counter status dominated the question and answer session at the hearing. Although Senators Hillary Clinton (D-NY) and Patty Murray (D-WA) have a hold on Dr. von Eschenbach’s nomination because of the debate over Plan B, HELP Committee Chairman Michael Enzi (R-WY) wanted to give Dr. von Eschenbach the opportunity to make his case to the committee about becoming the permanent FDA commissioner.

In his opening statement, Dr. von Eschenbach stated that his experience as a researcher and physician would help him lead an agency that faces new challenges but also incredible opportunities. He described the role of FDA as “cherish[ing] the trust of patients and the public and that our every single action, decision or activity must be directed to preserving their lives and protecting their health.” With the Senate beginning its August recess on Monday, August 7, rumors have been circulating that President George W. Bush could potentially exercise his power to make a recess appointment of Dr. von Eschenbach. Chairman Enzi briefly addressed this issue saying that they have no control over a recess appointment but have not heard if that will be the case. Dr. Von Eschenbach did not comment directly, but did say he looked forward to receiving full senate confirmation. Additionally, it has been reported that Chairman Enzi believes he has the votes to push Dr. von Eschenbach’s nomination through the HELP Committee. The Committee could vote on this issue as early as September.

To support Dr. von Eschenbach’s nomination, Friends of Cancer Research submitted a "Statement for the Record" at the August 1 hearing. It read in part:

Friends of Cancer Research (Friends) strongly supports the confirmation of Dr. Andrew von Eschenbach as Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). As a non-profit organization committed to effective policy and advancement of scientific research, Friends is concerned with the challenges facing the agency. A strong FDA, with a permanent commissioner, will benefit not only the scientific community but ultimately the public it represents. [Click for full statement]

FDA Announcement to Improve Conflict of Interest Issue Surrounding Advisory Committee Process

On July 24, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the development of new guidelines to improve the advisory committee process. Advisory committees are assembled to provide FDA with expert and independent scientific advice. This strengthens the credibility of the decision-making process by allowing for public discussion of often challenging scientific issues that face the FDA. Recently, there has been debate over conflict of interest waivers for potential candidates and current advisory panelists. Additionally, Congress is considering legislation that would prohibit FDA from appointing scientists to such committees.

"The advisory committee process is integral to examining the intersection between medical practice and clinical research, to spark debate about it, and to subject scientific work to close public scrutiny," said Dr. Scott Gottlieb (left), FDA's Deputy Commissioner for Medical and Scientific Affairs. "Some of the most valuable input often comes from people who are active practitioners but also heavily engaged in clinical research and we need to make sure that we continue to have the ability to recruit top clinical trialists."

The upcoming guidelines will provide greater clarity in the disclosure of waivers for committee members. In this announcement, the FDA outlined a plan to address this issue while emphasizing the importance of maintaining the highest level of academic rigor and expertise.

Friends of Cancer Research supports these efforts and agrees that the quality of the committee composition must be preserved when implementing greater transparency. To read our full statement on this topic, please see our press release [Click for press release].

FRIENDS EVENTS

Saks Fifth Avenue at Tysons Galleria Selects Friends of Cancer Research as Charity Beneficiary for Annual “Key to the Cure” Fundraiser for Women’s Cancer

Friends of Cancer Research is excited to have been selected as the charity beneficiary of the 2006 Saks Fifth Avenue Key to the Cure initiative at the Saks Tysons Galleria location. The event consists of a shopping weekend Oct. 12-15^th, when a percentage of sales will go toward Friends’ efforts to raise awareness and provide public education on the importance of cancer research.

The event is part of a national initiative founded in partnership with Saks Fifth Avenue and the Entertainment Industry Foundation’s (EIF) Women's Cancer Research Fund. EIF recently announced that actress Glenn Close will serve as Celebrity Ambassador, following previous ambassadors Hillary Swank, Nicole Kidman, and Charlize Theron. In this role, Glenn Close will appear in a national public service announcement wearing a limited edition t-shirt designed by Oscar de la Renta, which will be sold exclusively at Saks. Proceeds from the designer T-shirt will also go toward the Key to the Cure initiative.

The shopping weekend has raised more than $20 million for cancer research since its inception seven years ago. The Saks Key to the Cure weekend at Tysons Galleria will include a special invitation only launch party, trunk shows for fine jewelry, handbags, and apparel, along with special raffle prizes. If you would like to be added to the mailing list for this event, please email agarber@focr.org with subject: Saks Fifth Avenue.

Friends Announces Plans for Special Benefit Celebrating 10^th Anniversary

Last month, Friends of Cancer Research announced official plans for a special benefit evening on November 15th celebrating our 10^th Anniversary. Honorees will include prominent members of Congress, the Administration, and the entertainment industry who have demonstrated steadfast leadership and support in their work for cancer research. More details will follow in the coming months. For more immediate information and sponsorship inquiries, please call (202) 944-6703.

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." - Margaret Mead

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